EPN-V2

SFF5000 Philosophy of Social Science Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Vitenskapsteori
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2023/2024
Course history
Curriculum
SPRING 2024
Schedule
Programme description

  • Introduction

    Philosophy of Social Science is the study of philosophical knowledge and activity. The course discusses the philosophy of social science's basis and raises questions that are relevant for professional social work and the work on the master's thesis. Relevant topics are the role of values in research, realism/social constructivism, evidence-based practice and politics, essential features of social reality, criteria for interpretation, causal reasoning.             

    The course includes the analysis and discussion of relevant social research. The course is closely related to other courses on the master's programme and the development of the master's thesis.

    Language of instruction is Norwegian.

  • Required preliminary courses

    None.

  • Learning outcomes

    After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defines in terms og knowledge, skills and general competence:

    Knowledge

    The student has:

    • in-depth insight into key philosophy of science topics that are relevant for the social sciences
    • advanced knowledge of theories and terms that make it possible to systematically reflect on social scientific activities and social work practice
    • in-depth understanding of the theoretical basis for quantitative and qualitative methods

    Skills

    The student is capable of:

    • analysing and discussing social research using key philosophy of science terms and theory
    • analysing and assessing philosophy of science positions in social science literature
    • considering and discussing the philosophy of science basis for their own research projects

    Competence

    The student has:

    • can discuss the relationship between research and theories of research
    • a well developed ability to question the basis of research results

  • Teaching and learning methods

    The teaching takes place through lectures, e-lectures, feedback on work requirements and study groups.

  • Course requirements

    The following required coursework must be approved in order for the student to take the exam:

    • Coursework 1: Essay of 500 words (+-10%).
    • Coursework 2: Essay of 500 words (+-10%).
    • Coursework 3: Essay of 500 words (+-10%).

    Each essay discusses relevant themes from the curriculum, with a possibility also to relate to master thesis project or other research examples. A list of topics to choose from will be available at the start of the course.   

    All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If one or more coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given the opportunity to submit an improved version one time by the given deadline.

  • Assessment

    The course provides in-depth knowledge of quantitative design and statistical analysis for use in the student's own master's thesis. The course focus on the possibilities and limitations of different quantitative designs, understanding various data sources, and quality requirements for studies based on statistical analysis within a social science research tradition.

    The course includes in-depth knowledge of cross-sectional design, longitudinal design, experiment, and the survey method. Students will also gain in-depth knowledge of conditions that may affect the validity and reliability of a survey and skills in assessing such conditions. Furthermore, students will both learn and not least practice univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses.

    There will be a particular focus on regression analysis. Through lectures, e-resources and seminars, students will gain in-depth knowledge and skills in the use of regression-based analysis.;

  • Permitted exam materials and equipment

    None.

  • Grading scale

    A student who has completed the course has the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge and;skills:

    Knowledge

    The student has

    • thorough knowledge of the research process;
    • advanced knowledge of quantitative research designs: their appropriate use as well as strengths and limitations
    • thorough knowledge of important concepts such as measurement, reliability, validity, and generalization.

    Skills

    The student can

    • relate research processes to scientific theory and ethical principles
    • apply research methods in a reflective manner and appropriately choose methods that are relevant for different kinds of research questions
    • use relevant methods for producing, analyzing and interpreting diverse types of empirical data (e.g. surveys or register data)
    • use univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis techniques;;
    • understand;inferential statistics;
    • evaluate research based on quantitative methods in terms of methodological quality and appropriateness

    General Competence

    The students are

    • familiar with, and critically reflect on various consequences of research
    • able to use ethical judgement regarding one’s own position as a researcher and how participation in research can intervene in people’s lives.
    • familiar with and can adhere to ethical regulations such as: correct and complete source information, informant anonymisation, confidentiality, researcher responsibility.

  • Examiners

    The course consists of;lectures, exercises with statistical software, e-lectures and assignments that the students work with on their own and receive guidance via e-based resources.

    Students will work with an analysis portfolio consisting of univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis (regression analysis).

  • Course contact person

    None.